The nurse is administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate to a client with acute kidney injury (AKI). Which laboratory finding indicates that the medication has been effective?
Serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (3.8 mmol/L)
Hemoglobin level of 13.5 g/dL (135 g/L).
Serum glucose level of 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L)
Serum ammonia level of 30 Mcg/dL (17.62 Mermol/L)
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is a medication used to treat high levels of potassium in the blood, a condition known as hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia is a common complication of acute kidney injury (AKI). The medication works by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestine, which are then excreted from the body. Therefore, a decrease in serum potassium levels to within the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) would indicate that the medication has been effective.
Choice B rationale
Hemoglobin levels are not directly affected by sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. While it’s an important indicator of overall health, changes in hemoglobin levels would not indicate whether treatment for hyperkalemia is working.
Choice C rationale
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate does not directly affect glucose levels. While it’s important to monitor glucose levels in patients with kidney disease, changes in glucose would not indicate whether treatment for hyperkalemia is working.
Choice D rationale
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate does not directly affect ammonia levels. While elevated ammonia levels can occur in certain conditions, such as liver disease, changes in ammonia levels would not indicate whether treatment for hyperkalemia is working.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While a family history of mental illness is important information to obtain when planning care for a client with major depression, it is not the most important information when the client is receiving a new prescription for duloxetine. Family history can provide insight into the client’s risk factors for depression, but it does not directly impact the safety or efficacy of duloxetine.
Choice B rationale
Weight change in the last month is not the most important information to obtain when planning care for a client with major depression who is receiving a new prescription for duloxetine. While significant weight changes can be a symptom of depression and should be monitored, they do not directly impact the safety or efficacy of duloxetine.
Choice C rationale
Liver function laboratory results are the most important information to obtain when planning care for a client with major depression who is receiving a new prescription for duloxetine.
Duloxetine is metabolized in the liver, and abnormal liver function can affect the metabolism and elimination of the drug, potentially leading to increased side effects or decreased effectiveness. Therefore, it is crucial to assess liver function before and during treatment with duloxetine.
Choice D rationale
While recent use of other antidepressants is important information to obtain when planning care for a client with major depression who is receiving a new prescription for duloxetine, it is not the most important information. This information can help prevent drug interactions and serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. However, liver function has a more direct impact on the safety and efficacy of duloxetine.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Vancomycin is known to potentially cause nephrotoxicity, which can lead to acute kidney injury.
Choice B rationale
Sucralfate is not typically associated with acute kidney injury.
Choice C rationale
Lorazepam is not typically associated with acute kidney injury.
Choice D rationale
While digoxin can have many side effects, it’s not typically associated with acute kidney injury.
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